Before you leave home: VILLA KEY. You are not met at the villa . Take Villa Directions and Key instructions with you for your arrival, even if you are getting a taxi.The taxi drivers do not have your villa number or (naturally) your key safe info.

Emergency etc:Is the Mobile No at bottom right of Booking Form correct for Cyprus?. Your Rep will TEXT YOU on arrival. And Flight time changes. Please advise us of any flight changes as we will be using the details on the Booking Form.

Air Con. Very expensive to run, It should be set at 25/26 degrees Celsius, no less, as too cold is not good for health. If in doubt ask Owner to check your controls, and show you how to operate remote controls, when he visits.

Electricity: The supply and sockets are same as UK: 240 volts, a.c. 50HZ. Be prepared for a power cut, they are common.

Water: All villas have drinking water in the kitchen via a separate small tap, usually just to the side/beneath main taps.

Expect low pressure, hot water is from solar power, so use it carefully at night if you want some left in the morning.

Toilet paper. This must not be put in toilet, there is a small bin provided by the loo. Plumbers are expensive/chargeable.Iron and Hairdryer, Pool Towels etc. All villas provide these. Car Hire and Sat Nav: 5 Euros per day from Cy- Breeze Car Rental when you hire your car from them www.cy-breeze.com.cy

Duty Free Cyprus. Some good prices AND there is a Duty Free Kiosk and a small bank/ATM in the Carousel area in Arrivals. Supermarket prices in Cyprus can be reasonable for alcohol. Contact Nicole Paphos Rep. for Winery discounts.

Coming in to Paphos on the B6, you will arrive at the roundabout with the superstores (Debenhams/Next) on your right. Turn right direction Polis and Orfanides supermarket is just up on the right next to MacDonalds.

(If you are coming into Pafos on the highway you need to turn left at the very end of it, and Orfanides is just down on the left after MacDonalds

Q&A

Is there a natural way to protect myself from mosquitos on holiday?

We have recently found out about a company called Arnywear. Each item in their range, which includes kaftans and sarongs, is make with a technologically advanced fabric, which, when worn against the the body, releases a fresh-smelling, long lasting natural insect-repelling vapour that's safe for all the family. The large sarong can double up as many things too. Visit www.arnywear.co.ukMosquitoes Plug in repellant for in the villa. You can buy the small plug in bottles or the small tablets from supermarkets. (I use these in the bedroom if required.)

The following is a selection of ways to deter these pests suggested by Limehouse Homeopathy. Anecdotally, some strategies work for some people but not others. All of them involve some effort and persistence!

Mosquitoes are no worse in Cyprus than anywhere else in the Med. but you only need one under the table or in your bedroom. Wearing long sleeved and long legged clothing may offer some protection, but not if it is thin enough to be bitten through. Trousers tucked into socks and boots may deter mosquitoes from biting that popular area around the ankles. Any chosen repellant needs to be applied all over, including under the clothes, and reapplied regularly.

Repellants that work internally

Avoid bananas - mosquitoes love them! There is something about the way we process the banana oil that attracts biting females.

Take 100mg of Vitamin B complex daily. Start before your trip.

Add half a teaspoon of vinegar to your water bottle.

Eat a teaspoon of Marmite daily.

Repellants that work externally

Research has shown that essential oils do work against mosquitoes, and that products containing Deet are not necessarily better.

Mix citronella essential oil with a base oil, such as olive or almond (add enough to make the oil smell quite lemony when you apply it to your skin). Geranium, lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, tea tree, grapefruit and lavender are all good oils to mix in with the citronella.

They recommend Insect Bite tincture from Ainsworths. It is not available for web order, but it can be ordered by telephone or purchased from their shop. Apply frequently to relieve itching and prevent sepsis.

www.ability2travel.com Company offering assistance for individuals who wish to travel yet require help with their special needs. Contact Jaimee Duran 01536 501298 Mobile 07950 030776

Peace of mind, whilst you're away.

Everyone needs a holiday and however much you like your home, there's nothing like a change of scenery. We want you to have peace of mind and come back to find everything just as you left it. By following the tips set you below, you can help make your home more secure while you are away.

Make sure your home looks occupied. Ideally, ask a trusted neighbour or friend to look after it (collecting mail, watering plants, feeding the pets etc). Let them have the spare keys but don't put your name or address on the keys.

Don't leave your curtains closed in the daytime as this shows the house is empty.

Use automatic timer-switches to turn on lights on when it goes dark.

Don't leave valuables, like your TV laptop or DVD player, where people can see them through the windows.

Cancel any regular deliveries such as newpapers or milk.

Cut the lawn before you go and trim back any plants that burglars could hide behind.